The discovery of frog abnormalities by students on a school field trip in 1995 sparked hundreds of scientific studies in search of the cause of abnormality. This Socio-Scientific Issue has been used as an inquiry-based learning exercise for training in the practice of science, but it is also well-suited to teaching the nature of science. Our goal…

Citizen science is an expanding field in public education and learning and can bridge the gap between science and society. This benefits not only just citizen learning and scientific research, but also earlier learning in formal science education. Citizen science can foster an understanding of engagement with science as well as the perception of…

Letting students deliberate on socio-scientific issues is a tricky affair. It is yet unclear how to assess whether, or even support that, students weave science facts into value-laden socio-scientific deliberations without committing the naturalistic fallacy of deducing "ought" from "is". As a preliminary step, this study…

This article sets out to describe the PROFILES project, a European Commission FP7 science and society project, addresses problems and issues in science education by guiding teachers to embrace a range of teaching factors, such as a context-based approach, motivational constructivist learning; student centred inquiry teaching; enhancing cognitive…

Many men and women who are talented in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) choose not to pursue undergraduate majors or careers in these fields. To develop talents in STEM, educators must understand the factors that contribute to an individual's retention in STEM domains, as well as the factors that act as barriers to…

Presents theoretical tools that can be used to undertake a critical analysis of the concept of environmental education for sustainable development. The idea of including environmental education in the broader scope of education for the development of responsible societies is considered. (AIM)

Authors assert that biology teaching should be treated more as a science based on questions, possible explanations, and tests for determining the validity of explanations that are formulated. Provides a list of criteria for exemplary teaching and contrasts them with traditional science teaching. Presents information on Science/Technology/Society…

Highlights the importance of the Human Genome Project in educating the public about genetics. Discusses four challenges that science educators must address: teaching for conceptual understanding, the nature of science, the personal and social impact of science and technology, and the principles of technology. Contains 45 references. (JRH)

Offers insights into the need for social studies educators to address technological issues as a part of citizenship education. (JDH)

This discussion of technological literacy and its importance in general education compares technology and science in the context of education, the community, and society, and discusses the advancement of technology in terms of societal change, control of technology, and balancing technology with values. (six references) (DB)

Describes a Science Technology and Society (STS) course for nonscience-oriented students in grades 10-12. The program comprises a collection of modules that present the scientific concept, its technological manifestation, and its societal relevance. (SAH)

Describes how to facilitate discussions on topics related to biocrimes. Focuses on how to guide students to ask questions related to what infectious agents are and the relationship between infection and disease. (DDR)

Offers information about lunar exploration, the telescope, and space travel. Suggests that landing on the moon and returning to Earth is one of the most significant technological accomplishments. Includes a student quiz, outcomes, and references. (JOW)

Describes Science Technology and Society (STS) simulations that teach students about human experiences involving controversial issues. When students are taught using controversial and authentic issues, science instruction becomes current and engaging. (SAH)

Describes the Science in the Environment project which aims at providing a general education in science rather than training for a scientific career. Offers students a remarkable degree of flexibility with respect to both the amount of science they wish to study and the way in which they wish to learn. (JRH)